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What’s driving Australian consumer purchasing decisions in today’s economy?
Australian consumers are demanding more from retailers. What keeps them coming back is not just about price, it’s better value, faster service, and reliability.
To better understand this evolving landscape, we’ve collaborated with Power Retail to uncover what’s driving consumer purchasing decisions and the strategic implications for retailers, in our co-produced report, Value, speed, and reliability: What’s driving Australian retail?
Recent ABS data from March 2025 shows the household saving-to-income ratio increased from 3.6% to 3.8% in the previous quarter, signalling growing consumer confidence and increasing disposable income – good news for retail spending ahead.
For retailers, this means understanding what drives spending is more critical than ever. Sharpening inventory management, fulfilment, and supply chain operations is key to capitalising on this rising demand and staying ahead of competitors.
What consumers look for
Based on a survey of over 1,000 Australian consumers in early 2025, the report dives into what’s driving purchasing decisions – from omnichannel experiences and brand connection to the critical post-purchase consumer experience.
Key insight:
72% of consumers prioritise competitive pricing when making purchase decisions, closely followed by product quality at 63%. In an environment where consumer expectations are high, there’s no room for error.
Staying front of mind
The current retail environment is more competitive and demanding than ever. Consumers expect seamless, fast and reliable purchase experiences throughout the journey. Retailers who deliver on these demands build customer loyalty and benefit from more interest in their business.
Key insight:
65% of consumers expect to pick up their click-and-collect order within one hour. Speed and reliability are no longer just perks – they need to be prioritised in the customer journey.
We’re here to help
Whether you’re a large-scale retailer or growing business, our team offers strategic advice aligned to your goals. We specialise in aligning automation and supply chain strategies to build future-ready retail operations that unlock real value.
If you’d like to discuss the report or explore what these insights mean for your business, reach out today.
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